ROCKFORD — In response to the same-sex marriage bill, which will be signed into law on Nov. 20, Bishop David J. Malloy, of the 11-county Catholic Diocese of Rockford, has issued a letter to be read during Mass at all 105 parishes this weekend.

The letter, in part, states:

“As you probably know, the Illinois legislature has voted this week to redefine marriage within our state, abandoning the understanding found in nature and in our faith that God has established this institution as a life-long commitment between one man and one woman.

“This decision, however well-intended, has no basis in nature and certainly not in the teaching or the practice of our Catholic faith. To quote Pope Francis when he was Archbishop of Buenos Aires, and a similar bill was under consideration: “Let us not be naive: this is not simply a political struggle, but it is an attempt to destroy God’s plan. … (and) to confuse and deceive the children of God.

“Our task now is to truly live and teach the reality of marriage and family as professed by our church with joy and faith. No human vote can overwrite God’s law.

“Let us remember as well that we are called by Christ to love and respect all of our brothers and sisters. That means all without exception. But we cannot do so at the expense of abandoning how God, in His love, has made us and made the world.”